Review: Start your engin?oh, wait?you have none

Micro Machines is probably one of the most successful franchises ever. They have been around as long as I can remember (which really isn't any longer than 5 minutes) and have always been cool. Finally when someone came around and used them for a racing game they struck gold. Micro Machine games have been around since the early NES days and each new incarnation only seems to improve on the last. This is no exception for Micro Machines V3.

While the detail to each of the vehicles could be a little better you can't say the same for the tracks. Each track is intricately designed and detailed. You will be able to pick out things such as pencils and rulers while zipping across a desk, or knifes and forks while flying across a breakfast table. Even though the game is viewed overhead the artists have somehow been able to give the effect that things such as cups and beakers are towering high above the track. The detail and creativity may be shown off in each track, but sometimes it is hard to tell what is coming up ahead, yet this never draws away from the fun of this game.

The music as well as the sound effects in this game are top notch. The music is very energetic and keeps the player moving throughout each level, while the sound effects really add the effect that these are real cars rather then just mini models.

The inclusion of many different things to race with, such as boats, trucks, or tanks, really adds to the gameplay. Each vehicle handles completely different then the last and causes you to approach each race differently, adding many extra hours to the replay value. Also the inclusion of many various weapons helps add a bit of excitement to the standard racing game. A new style of multiplayer is also included, where both players compete on the same GBC. This is accomplished by one person using the arrows to steer and the other using the A and B buttons to steer and having the game accelerate for both of you. This is very awkward and quickly becomes a brawl for more space rather then the ?exciting multiplayer feature that it is supposed to be. While there are a few flaws that could have been worked out this game is downright fun to play.

Bottom Line

In a genre crowded with games and many rip-offs, the game that incorporates the smallest competitors is able to stand above all others. Despite its flaws, which include a quirky multiplayer and lack of a battery save, this simplistic game may be the most fun in a racer I have had in a while.